Adjustably mounted infrared device

ABSTRACT

An adjustably mounted infrared device for an electronic device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is a computer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device. The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processor within the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustably to the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desired direction independent of movement of the housing. Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard, a computer printer, and a computer monitor, each having such an integral infrared device mounted adjustably thereto to permit position of the device in a desired direction without movement of the keyboard, the printer or the monitor, respectively.

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/720,460, filed on Sep. 30, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,405 which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to infrared devices for electronicdevices such as computers and computer peripherals, and moreparticularly to such devices that are adjustably mounted.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically computers have connected to peripherals through the use ofcables. A cable may, for example, connect a computer to a peripheralsuch as a printer or a monitor. A cable may also permit a computer toconnect into a network, such as a local-area network or a wide-areanetwork. As a way to provide for such connectivity, cables have theadvantage of permitting reliable communication at relatively low cost.

Cables are typically best used in environments in which computers andperipherals are relatively stationery, and do not need to be movedaround frequently. Connecting a peripheral to a computer by cable, forexample, usually entails turning off both the peripheral and thecomputer, and plugging the cable into a port in the back of each of theperipheral and the computer. This is typically an inconvenience for theuser, reduced only by the fact that it usually needs to be accomplishedonly once. After the peripheral has been connected to the computer, itusually is not disconnected. That is, both the peripheral and thecomputer typically remain in the same location.

However, this paradigm of connectivity has changed in light of theincreasing portability of computers. Laptop and notebook computers, forexample, by their very nature are not used only in one location. A usermay use a laptop computer at work, at home, and while traveling onbusiness. In such situations, the need to constantly plug and unplugcables to communicate with peripherals is a great inconvenience for theuser. Moreover, the user may misplace the cable, or worse, plug thewrong type of cable into the computer and ruin the computer, theperipheral, or both.

A new paradigm of connectivity has come into place to alleviate theseproblems and inconveniences. Rather than using a cable to connect acomputer to a peripheral to achieve "wired communication," there now is"wireless communication." One type of wireless communication is infraredcommunication. Rather than having to plug a cable into both the computerand the peripheral, a user instead only has to line up an infraredtransceiver of the computer with the infrared transceiver of theperipheral. Infrared communication is especially desirable for laptopcomputer users, who frequently move about with their computers.

Typically, however, infrared communication requires that the transceiverat each end be within the same line of sight. An infrared transceiver ofa computer, for example, may require that it be lined up within aboutfifteen degrees of an infrared receiver of a peripheral to permitinfrared wireless communication between the two. If the transceivers donot so line up with one another, communication between the computer andthe peripheral may be interrupted.

Typically, the infrared transceiver of the computer is located on theback of the computer, and the infrared transceiver on the front of theperipheral. This means that the user of the computer must use thecomputer directly in front of the peripheral in order to communicatewith it. The user of the computer is thus greatly restricted in where heor she can locate the computer relative to the peripheral.

Furthermore, frequently laptop computers communicate with one another ina peer-to-peer manner. In the case where the infrared receiver of eachcomputer is located on the back of the computer, this means that thecomputers must be aligned with one another back-to-back to permitinfrared wireless communication between the computers. This presents theusers of these computers with a great inconvenience, in that they areforced to work head-to-head with one another.

Optionally, the infrared transceiver of one or both of the computer andthe peripheral is located on a dongle that attaches to a cable to thecomputer. In this situation, the user has more freedom in moving thecomputer while still communicating wirelessly with the peripheral.However, dongles have the potential of becoming lost, and in any casetypically tie up a communications port on the back of the computer.Furthermore, the addition of yet another cable to be connected in theback of the computer increases the potential for the tangling of cables.The dongles are also difficult to store when not in use (i.e., when thecomputer is moved from one location to another), and take up scarcedesk-top space.

There is a need, therefore, for an infrared transceiver of a computer ora computer peripheral that permits wireless infrared communication whilenot greatly restricting the location in which either the computer or theperipheral can be used, and not causing peer-to-peer communicationsamong computers to be overly inconvenient for their users. There is afurther need for such an infrared transceiver that is not encased withina dongle that attaches to either the computer or the peripheral.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for an adjustably mounted infrared devicefor an electronic device. A first embodiment of the invention is acomputer. The computer has a housing and an integral infrared device.The housing has a plurality of surfaces to protect at least a processorwithin the housing. The integral infrared device is mounted adjustablyto the housing to permit positioning of the device in a desireddirection independent of movement of the housing.

In this manner, the present invention provides for a number ofadvantages. The location in which the computer can be used is notrestricted. Because the infrared device is mounted adjustably to thehousing, it can be aimed to lie within the line of sight of an infraredtransceiver of a peripheral or another computer, without having to movethe housing of the computer itself. Thus, for example, the computer doesnot have to be located directly in front of the peripheral, but rathercan be positioned off to either side of the peripheral, and have itsinfrared device suitably adjusted to permit wireless communication.Furthermore, computers communicating to one another in a peer-to-peermanner do not have to be positioned back-to-back with one another.

Moreover, the infrared device of the present invention is not a dongle,and therefore is not to prone to becoming lost or misplaced by a user.The lack of a dongle also means that the potential for cable tangle isgreatly reduced. Because the infrared device of the present invention isintegrated within the computer itself, the device also does not take upscarce desk space.

Other embodiments of the invention include a computer keyboard havingsuch an integral infrared device adjustably mounted to a housing of thekeyboard, as well as a computer monitor also having such an integralinfrared device adjustably mounted to a housing of the monitor, and acomputer printer having such an integral infrared device adjustablymounted thereto. Still other and further embodiments, aspects andadvantages of the present invention will become apparent in thefollowing description and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a typical computer according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a typical keyboard according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a typical monitor according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an infrared deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an infrared deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a sectional top view of the tension cable of the embodiment ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an infrareddevice according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in arecessed position;

FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 in anextended position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an infrareddevice according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in a recessedposition;

FIG. 13 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in anextended position; and,

FIG. 14 is a sectional side view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in arecessed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for an adjustably mounted infrared devicefor an electronic device such as a computer or a computer peripheral. Adiagram of a typical computer in conjunction with which the presentinvention can be used is shown in FIG. 1. Computer 10 usually includeskeyboard 12, display device 14 and pointing device 16. Not shown is thatcomputer 10 also typically comprises a random-access memory (RAM), acentral-processing unit (CPU), and one or more storage devices, such asa hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, or a tapecartridge drive, although the invention is not so limited. As shown,computer 10 is a laptop computer, such as a GATEWAY 2000 laptopcomputer, although the invention is not so limited. For example,computer 10 could also be a desktop computer such as a Gateway 2000desktop computer.

As shown in FIG. 1, display device 14 is a flat-panel display devicesuch as a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, the invention is not solimited; display device 14 can be any of a number of different devices.Pointing device 16 as shown in FIG. 1 is a touch pad, although theinvention is also not so limited. For example, pointing device 16 mayalso be a mouse, or a trackball, without departing from the spirit orscope of the present invention.

Computer 10 also includes integral and adjustably mounted infrareddevice 18. Infrared device 18 includes an infrared transceiver to allowfor wireless (infrared) communication with another infrared transceiver.The invention is not limited to any particular transceiver, however. Inone embodiment, the transceiver is a TFDS3000 IrDA SIR IntegratedTransceiver available from Telefunken Semiconductors. In anotherembodiment, the transceiver is a TFDS6000 transceiver also availablefrom Telefunken Semiconductors. Such infrared transceivers are wellknown to those of ordinary skill within the art.

Infrared device 18 is integral to computer 10 in that it does not coupleto computer 10 via a cable plugging into a port of computer 10. That is,device 18 is not a dongle. Furthermore, device 18 is adjustably mountedto computer 10 in that it can be positioned in a particular directionwithout having to move computer 10 itself. That is, computer 10 canremain stationary, while the direction in which the transceiver ofdevice 18 is pointed can still be varied. The present invention is notlimited to the manner by which infrared device 18 is adjustably mountedto computer 10 to permit such positioning of device 18. Severaldifferent embodiments of the invention in which device 18 is adjustablymounted to computer 10 in different manners are described herein.

As those of ordinary skill within the art understand, the infraredtransceiver of device 18 must be within the same line of sight asanother infrared transceiver in order for infrared wirelesscommunication between the two transceivers to occur. Therefore, thepresent invention provides for the advantage of great freedom in thepositioning of computer 10 relative to the computer or peripheral withinwhich the other infrared transceiver is located. For example, theinfrared transceiver with which the infrared transceiver of device 18 ofcomputer 10 communicates may be within a computer peripheral such as aprinter. In such instance, rather than having to be located directly infront of the printer, computer 10 can be located to either side of theprinter, so long as device 18 can be adjusted to permit the transceiverof device 18 to be within the same line of sight as the transceiver ofthe peripheral.

The present invention is not limited to device 18 being mounted on anyparticular surface of computer 10. As shown in FIG. 1, device 18 ismounted on an edge of computer 10 to the left of display device 14.However, device 18 could be mounted on any surface or any edge ofcomputer 10, without departing from the spirit or scope of theinvention. For example, device 18 in another embodiment is mounted onthe flat surface below keyboard 12 and to the left of pointing device16. In yet another embodiment, device 18 is mounted on the edge to theleft of keyboard 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a computer keyboard according to the presentinvention is shown. Computer keyboard 20 includes keys 22 and infrareddevice 24. Most computer keyboards can be modified to include such aninfrared device 24, and the present invention is not limited to anyparticular keyboard. Infrared device 24 corresponds to infrared device18 of computer 10 of FIG. 1, and reference should be made to discussionof infrared device 18 for further understanding thereto. Like infrareddevice 18, infrared device 24 is integral to keyboard 20, and isadjustably mounted to keyboard 20. Furthermore, infrared device 24 canbe mounted on any surface or edge of keyboard 20, without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a computer monitor according to the presentinvention is shown. Computer monitor 26 includes display device 28 andinfrared device 30. Display device 28 can be any of a number ofdifferent display devices, including a cathode-ray tube (CRT), withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thus, mostmonitors can be modified to include such an infrared device 30, and thepresent invention is not limited to any particular monitor. Infrareddevice 30 corresponds to infrared device 18 of computer 10 of FIG. 1,and reference should be made to discussion of infrared device 18 forfurther understanding thereto. Like infrared device 18, infrared device30 is integral to monitor 26, and is adjustably mounted to monitor 26.Furthermore, infrared device 30 can be mounted on any surface or edge ofmonitor 26, without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentinvention.

As those of ordinary skill within the art readily recognize, the presentinvention is not limited to the electronic devices described (i.e., acomputer monitor, a computer keyboard and a computer). That is, thepresent invention can be applied to any electronic device--for example,any computer peripheral--which achieves wireless communication via aninfrared transceiver. For example, the present invention may be modifiedto be mounted on an electronic device such as a printer for a computer,as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill within the art. Inthis case, the printer may be of any type, and the present invention isnot limited to any particular kind of printer. In one embodiment of theinvention, the printer is a laser printer or ink jet printer as commonlyavailable from manufacturers such as Hewlett Packard and Cannon. As hasbeen shown and described in the case of a computer, computer monitor andcomputer keyboard, an infrared device is mounted adjustably to thecomputer printer, in the same manner as device 18 is mounted adjustablymounted to computer 10 as in FIG. 1. For further understanding thereto,reference should be made to FIG. 1 and the discussion made inconjunction with FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of an infrared device accordingto the present invention is shown. Infrared device 36 corresponds toinfrared device 18 of FIG. 1, infrared device 24 of FIG. 2, and infrareddevice 30 of FIG. 3. Infrared device 36 includes transmission opening38. Transmission opening 38 is a lens that protects an infraredtransceiver disposed within infrared device 36, but which still allowsthe passing through of infrared signals. In one embodiment of theinvention, opening 38 is a infrared-transparent plastic sheet.

Infrared device 36 is mounted rotatably within an edge of computer 32,computer 32 also having display device 34. As shown in FIG. 4, computer32 corresponds to computer 10 of FIG. 1, and display device 34corresponds to display device 14 of FIG. 1. However, infrared device 36can also be mounted within keyboard 20 of FIG. 2 or monitor 26 of FIG. 3without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Infrared device 36 is mounted rotatably within an edge of computer 32such that it can rotate within computer 32 about an axis of rotation asis shown in FIG. 4. Infrared device 36 rotates within the socket ofcomputer 32 in which it is located. In this manner, a user of thecomputer can aim infrared device 36 towards another infrared devicewithout having to actually move computer 32. This provides the user withgreater freedom in locating the computer while conducting infraredwireless communication.

One manner in which infrared device 36 is adjustably mounted withincomputer 32 is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, infrared device 36,besides having transmission opening 38, also has pegs 40 and 42, withpeg 40 mounted on the top of infrared device 36, and peg 42 mounted onthe bottom of infrared device 36. The top surface of the socket ofcomputer 32 in which infrared device 36 is mounted has a hole 44corresponding to peg 40, while the bottom surface of the socket ofcomputer 32 in which device 36 is mounted has a hole 46 corresponding topeg 42. As rotatably mounted within computer 32, peg 40 of device 36fits into hole 44, and peg 42 of device 36 fits into hole 46. Each ofthe pegs fits into its corresponding hole loosely enough to permitdevice 36 to rotate within the socket.

Infrared device 36 is also electrically coupled to computer 32 byelectrical wire or cable 49, as those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate. The present invention is not limited to the manner in whichdevice 36 is electrically coupled to computer 32. However, in oneembodiment of the invention, electrical wire or cable 49 connects device36 to computer 32 through a hole in peg 42, and into hole 46. Theelectrical coupling permits device 36 to send electrical signalsreceived at device 36 to computer 32, and to receive electrical signalsfrom computer 32 as well.

Referring now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of an infrared deviceaccording to the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 6,external surface 48 is any external surface of a computer, keyboard, ormonitor--for example, computer 10 of FIG. 1, keyboard 20 of FIG. 2, ormonitor 26 of FIG. 3. Infrared device 52 comprises infrared transmissionopening 54, which protects an infrared transceiver disposed withindevice 52 (not shown). Infrared device 52 is mounted to external surface48 by a flexible tension cable 50. Flexible tension cable 50 permits auser to aim infrared device 52 in any direction without moving thecomputer, keyboard or monitor of which external surface 48 is a part.

A cross section of the top view of flexible tension cable 50 is shown inFIG. 7. The flexible tension cable typically includes coiled metal shell56 surrounding conduit 58. Coiled metal shell 56 is amenable to bendingat any point within the rod. Furthermore, coiled metal shell 56 retainsthe shape in which it is bent. In this manner, flexible tension cable 50of FIG. 6 can be bent to point infrared device 52 in a particulardirection; once pointed in the particular direction, coiled metal shell56 will retain its shape so that flexible tension cable 50 remainspointed in the desired direction. Coiled metal shell 56 protects conduit58, and can be constructed of a tactile surface so that the user caneasily grip flexible tension cable 50.

Infrared device 52 is also electrically coupled to the component ofwhich external surface 48 is a part, for example a computer, keyboard ormonitor, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Thepresent invention is not limited to the manner in which device 52 iselectrically coupled to this component. However, in one embodiment ofthe invention, electrical wires or cables 59 connect device 52 to thecomponent through conduit 58, which is hollow to accommodate theinsertion of the electrical wire or cable. The electrical couplingpermits device 52 to send electrical signals received at device 52 tothe component, and to receive electrical signals from the component aswell.

Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another embodiment of an infrared deviceaccording to the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 8,external surface 60 is any external surface of a computer, keyboard, ormonitor--for example, computer 10 of FIG. 1, keyboard 20 of FIG. 2, ormonitor 26 of FIG. 3. Infrared device 62 has dish 64 in which aninfrared transceiver (not shown) is disposed. Infrared transmissionopening 66 protects the infrared transceiver, and as shown in FIG. 8 ismounted at the wide end of dish 64. Telescoping arm 68 of infrareddevice 62 mounts device 62 to external surface 60. Arm 68 mounts to dish64 at end 70 of arm 68 such that dish 64 may rotate about arm 68 at end70. Thus, infrared device 62 can be aimed in a desired direction withouthaving to move the computer, keyboard or monitor of which surface 60 isa part.

Infrared device 62 is also electrically coupled to the component ofwhich external surface 60 is a part, for example a computer, keyboard ormonitor, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate. Thepresent invention is not limited to the manner in which device 62 iselectrically coupled to this component. However, in one embodiment ofthe invention, electrical wire or cable 73 connects device 62 to thecomponent through telescoping arm 68, in which case arm 68 is hollow toaccommodate the insertion of the wire or cable, or running alongtelescoping arm 68. Wire or cable 73 is shown in each of FIG. 8, FIG. 9,and FIG. 10. The electrical coupling permits device 62 to sendelectrical signals received at device 52 to the component, and toreceive electrical signals from the component as well.

As shown in FIG. 8, infrared device 62 is in an extended position fromsurface 60. However, surface 60 has a cavity 72 corresponding to theshape of device 62 to allow the device to be stored such that opening 66is largely flush with surface 60. In other words, when the computer,keyboard or monitor of which surface 60 is a part is not in use, device62 resides within the computer, keyboard or monitor so that it does notbecome damaged or is otherwise extended. Device 62 is extended as isshown in FIG. 8 typically only when it is in use. That is, device 62 canbe positioned in at least two positions: a first position in which it isrecessed within a cavity of surface 60, and at least one second positionin which it is extended from the cavity of surface 60.

This is better shown by reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. Referring nowto FIG. 9, a sectional side view of infrared device 62 recessed withincavity 72 of surface 60 is shown. As shown, cavity 72 is shaped suchthat dish 64 of device 62 fits within cavity 72 so that opening 66 isflush with surface 60. Telescoping arm 68 of device 62 also fits withincavity 72, and as is the case in FIG. 8, connects to dish 64 at end 70of arm 68. In this position, as shown in FIG. 9, dish 64 cannot rotatebecause cavity 72 is shaped such that surface 60 surrounds dish 64closely. Also shown in FIG. 9 is infrared transceiver 74, which lies atthe small end of dish 64.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a sectional side view of infrared device 62extended from cavity 72 of surface 60 is shown. As shown, telescope arm68 of device 62 is fully extended, and dish 64 of device 62 is tiltedupward at end 70 of arm 68. Thus, dish 64 can be rotated at end 70,because it is not surrounded by cavity surface 60 when device 62 is inthe extended position from cavity 72. This enables infrared transceiver74 to receive and send infrared signals at an upward direction ascompared to the rightward direction in which cavity 72 of surface 60 ispointed. That is, such signals pass through opening 66 to and fromtransceiver 74.

Referring now to FIG. 11, still yet another embodiment of an infrareddevice according to the present invention is shown. As shown in FIG. 11,external surface 88 is any external surface of a computer, keyboard, ormonitor--for example, computer 10 of FIG. 1, keyboard 20 of FIG. 2, ormonitor 26 of FIG. 3. Infrared device 92 has tilting member 94 mountedrotatably in a cavity therein. Tilting member 94 has an infraredtransceiver (not shown) disposed therein. Infrared transmission opening96 protects the infrared transceiver, and as shown in FIG. 11 is mountedat one end of tilting member 94. Device 92, including tilting member 94,can be rotated about a first axis within cavity 90 of surface 88 as isshown, and as is understood by those of ordinary skill within the art.Furthermore, tilting member 94 can be rotated about a second axisperpendicular to the first axis, as is also shown. Thus, infrared device92 can be aimed in a desired direction without having to move thecomputer, keyboard or monitor of which surface 88 is a part.

As shown in FIG. 11, infrared device 92 is in an extended position fromsurface 76. However, cavity 90 of surface 88 has a shape correspondingto the shape of device 92 to allow the device to be stored such that thetop exterior surfaces of device 92 and tilting member 94 are largelyflush with surface 88. In other words, when the computer, keyboard ormonitor of which surface 88 is a part is not in use, device 92 resideswithin the computer, keyboard or monitor so that it does not becomedamaged or is otherwise extended. Device 92 is extended as is shown inFIG. 11 typically only when it is in use. That is, device 92 can bepositioned in at least two positions: a first position in which it isrecessed within a cavity of surface 88, and at least one second positionin which it is extended from the cavity of surface 88.

Still referring to FIG. 11, tilting member 94 rotates about an axiswithin a cavity of device 92. Tilting member 94 is adjustably mountedwithin device 92 in one embodiment in the same manner in which device 36is mounted in surface 32 as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, reference shouldbe made to the discussion in conjunction with FIG. 5 for furtherunderstanding thereto. That is, in one embodiment, tilting member 94 haspegs on two opposing sides that fit into and correspond to two holes onthe sides of device 92 that define the cavity of device 92 in whichmember 94 is mounted. The pegs fit into the holes such that member 94can rotate within the cavity of device 92.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a perspective view of device 92 of FIG. 11 inthe recessed position within cavity 90 of surface 88 is shown. The topsurface of device 92 and the top surface of tilting member 94 in thisposition are flush with surface 88. Referring now to FIG. 13, asectional side view of device 92 of FIG. 11 in the extended position isshown. Forcing mechanism 100 permits device 92 to "pop up" from theposition shown in FIG. 12 to an extended position, such as that shown inFIG. 11. Thus, a user presses on the top surface of device 92 or member94 while device 92 is in the recessed position in order for the deviceto pop up to an extended position. The user then presses on either topsurface again until the device is in the recessed position. Forcingmechanism 100 couples to locking mechanism 98. Referring now to FIG. 14,a sectional side view of device 92 of FIG. 11 in the recessed positionis shown. Locking mechanism 98 permits the device to remain in therecessed position. As shown, locking mechanism 98 latches the lower edgeof device 92 so that device 92 is recessed within surface 88. Thepresent invention is not limited to any particular forcing mechanism orlocking mechanism. In one embodiment of the invention, forcing mechanism100 is a spring-loaded mechanism, as those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate.

Infrared device 92 is also electrically coupled to the component ofwhich external surface 88 is a part, for example a computer, keyboard ormonitor, as those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate. Thepresent invention is not limited to the manner in which device 92 iselectrically coupled to this component. In one embodiment of theinvention, an electrical wire or cable (such as wire or cable 99 asshown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14) connects device 92 to the component. Theelectrical coupling permits device 92 to send electrical signalsreceived at device 92 to the component, and to receive electricalsignals from the component as well.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate thatmany changes and modifications to the above drawings and description canbe made without departure from the spirit or scope of the followingclaims. For example, the invention has been shown to encompass severaldifferent embodiments that provide for an integral adjustably mountedinfrared device within a computer, keyboard, or monitor. However,modification of the present invention can be made to include any otherembodiments within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:
 1. An electronic device comprising:a housing having a cavity; acasing rotatably movable within the cavity of the housing about an axisof rotation, and positionable in at least a first configuration in whichthe casing is completely disposed within the cavity of the housing and asecond configuration in which the casing is only partially disposedwithin the cavity of the housing; and, an infrared device containedwithin the casing, wherein positioning of the casing between the firstconfiguration and the second configuration permits positioning of theinfrared device independent of movement of the housing.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the infrared device comprises aninfrared transceiver, and the casing comprises a transmission openingdisposed within an exterior surface of the casing over the transceiver.3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the casing has a portioncontaining the infrared device that is rotatably movable about an axisof rotation relative to the casing apart from the portion of the casing.4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is acomputer.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronicdevice is a keyboard for a computer.
 6. The electronic device of claim1, wherein the electronic device is a monitor for a computer.
 7. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a printerfor a computer.